MERIDIAN STREET FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER

www.meridianstreetfoundation.net WINTER 2010 YEARS of greatness 1960 5050 2010

President’s message By John Countryman, President

As I write my first president’s our neighbors who have answered the Raul Burciaga, our Secretary, message, the Colts have call to get involved as board members, continues to serve as our property tax just secured their second trip to the committee members, volunteers coordinator. As each of us enters the Superbowl in just four years. While and contributors. In the 2 ½ years November ballot, be sure to exercise the enthusiasm experienced on such that I have served our board, I have your right to vote your opinion on the an accomplishment varies from one witnessed an organization that works Constitutional Amendment to include person to the next, the consistent hard, is well prepared, is passionate Property Tax Caps. I believe that our commitment to excellence required about our neighborhood and that community’s efforts and abilities to to achieve the Colts’ record setting cares deeply for our community. organize the protests at the governor’s decade for most wins is hard to debate. These “success-determinants” are mansion two short years ago, continue As a fan, these statistical successes are essential to an organization whether to serve as the ‘shot heard round the very exciting. As a father and proud it be an NFL team or a neighborhood city’ with regards to this referendum. citizen of Indianapolis, the manner organization such as ours. Although Finally, please take advantage of the in which they have achieved this my time on the board has been shorter opportunity to gather with neighbors success is so much more important. than some others with whom I serve, you may already know and to meet My experience is that this is an the leadership provided by recent neighbors you may not know at our organization that consistently works presidents including Stacey McCarthy, annual events beginning with our hard, is well prepared, is passionate John Peoni, Virginia Handley, Kathy 50th Anniversary Kick-off Party in about their team’s success and cares Shorter, Cindy Zweber-Free and Elaine March, Easter Egg Hunt in April, about their community. Summer Picnic in June and The Colts experience Annual meeting in October. is an intergenerational “While the battle to preserve the residential nature and While the preservation of experience that I am proud our homes and streets is to share with my children historical beauty of our neighborhood began fifty years ago, essential to the mission and that will be enjoyed this overwhelming success story continues to be written today” of the Meridian Street by their great-grandmother Foundation, the people come February 7th. that I have had the pleasure So what does all of this to know who make up our have to do with the Meridian Street Klein, to name a few, in addition to great neighborhood are the single Foundation? While the Colts have the more than twenty board members largest factor that have prevented displayed the aforementioned qualities and countless volunteers that serve, me from opting for the suburban and brought pride to our city over support and contribute to our efforts commute, so I strongly encourage you the last ten years, this year marks each and every year serves as the to join us for one or all of our events the 50th year of the Meridian Street foundation for the work that we in 2010. Foundation’s work to responsibly have accomplished over the past half I am grateful to my fellow board preserve and protect one of the very century and that we will accomplish in members, our volunteers and our best streets and neighborhoods in the the decades to come. member families for their contribution country. In the year ahead, know that our of time, talent and treasure. I am While the battle to preserve the Public Safety Committee, lead by honored to be serving the Meridian residential nature and historical our Vice-President Sheila Little, is Street Foundation and look forward beauty of our neighborhood began working hard in coordination with to continuing the stewardship of our fifty years ago, this overwhelming the city’s police department to address neighborhood and community that success story continues to be written and to respond to what appears to be the Meridian Street Foundation began1 today. The writers of this history are increased crime in our neighborhood. 50 years ago. Meridian Street Foundation; The First Half Century by Bernard Frechtman

Driving south on Meridian Street from Westfield Boulevard or north from 40th street, you enter an enclave of early 20th century houses that have maintained their stately beauty into the 21st century. How does that happen? Fifty years of active participation by neighborhood residents organized for that purpose through the Meridian Street Foundation is the answer. And how did that come about? Among the great events of 1960 John F. Kennedy was elected President, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, Pittsburgh beat the New York Yankees in the World Series, Hollywood produced The Apartment and Psycho, To Kill a Mockingbird was a best seller and the Meridian Street Foundation In 1899 these stone towers and archways marked the entrance to a real estate subdivision called Meridian Heights at 46th and Meridian. Today, if you were standing on the spot from which this was organized. picture was taken, you’d be in the middle of Meridian Street, looking north. The tall tower is gone and Those world events were going on only a few heaps of stones mark the locations of the archways. (Photo Contributed by Walter M. Ross) when the people living on Meridian In 1969 when road builders were the Public Safety/Traffic Committee, Street organized to preserve the set to widen North Meridian Street, which works to keep neighbors safe by neighborhood and to protect against angry local residents physically stood focusing on crime prevention through the encroachment of undesirable in their way to stop that expansion. a block-by-block crime watch program building construction that had already And in 1971 after the construction and a constant dialogue with the local caused the deterioration of properties of Tarkington Tower, the Meridian police; the Beautification Committee on Meridian Street below 38th Street. Street Foundation, was motivated to works by organizing programs to Historically Meridian Street began get the State Legislature to establish encourage maintaining beautiful lawns emerging as a prestigious residential the Meridian Street Preservation and the planting of trees; providing address going back as far as 1880. By Commission. The commission would seasonal décor for the holiday season 1915 seventy-eight houses had been be charged with enforcing the standards and special occasions; the Land built between Fall Creek and 38th supported by State Statute that required Use Committee assists homeowners street. In 1920, recognizing the need home owners to seek approval for any by reviewing their applications to to preserve the residential nature of exterior alterations of their homes. the Meridian Street Preservation the neighborhood the residents formed Thus ensuring the preservation of Commission prior to hearings, and the Meridian Street Association “… the integrity of the architechture and making recommendations to the to promote economic interests by the single-family residential character Commission regarding applications. shielding and advancing aesthetic of Meridian Street and surrounding The MSF also maintains a website for values…” of Meridian Street between neighborhoods. the neighborhood to keep residents 40th street and Westfield Boulevard. The Meridian Street Foundation, that informed of important information Between 1920 and the 1960’s houses on this year is celebrating 50 years of that affects each resident in the area lower Meridian Street were beginning existence, provides the organizational and is responsible for the publication to give way to conversion to apartment structure (through its members of this newsletter which goes to over houses and commercial enterprises. and activities) to create a cohesive 700 residents. Additionally, MSF was Additionally, developers sought to take community spirit that maintains the instrumental in the establishment advantage of the zoning that allowed for impetus to keep Meridian Street of HARMONI, which seeks to make medium to high-rise apartments. And corridor in its ongoing well maintained physical improvements to various so began the commercialism of lower standard of appearance. In addition parts of the neighborhoods with Meridian Street below 38th that led to to being a watchdog of the standards in the Meridian Street Foundation the tearing down of well established for the neighborhood the MSF has boundaries. historic homes and the conversion of involved itself in other aspects of So the organization that was created to homes into businesses. In an effort to community life that helps to create a fight the downgrading of the Meridian preserve what had become the city’s spirit of community. These programs are Street area has moved forward to an premier neighborhood, the Meridian conducted through various committees active program of total community Street Foundation was founded in 2 within the Foundation that include: participation. 1960. What Can We Do About Our Safety? By Marilyn Strawbridge, member, Safety Committee

We are all aware that our which community policing relies. neighborhoods. This effort designates neighborhood is experiencing an Officer Castor emphasizes it is with specific blocks which are organized increase in burglaries. Even though we these combined efforts that we will by a block captain for the purpose may feel particularly vulnerable, the catch the individuals committing these of deterring crime. Meetings are truth is that this happens everywhere, crimes. Police officers will come to held periodically to discuss specific not just in our fair neighborhood. It is individuals homes to provide “a walk concerns and to help each other to also true that we can do a lot toward through and around the premises” of stay safe. Your closest neighbors are making our homes safe and less the home to see if there are certain in a perfect position to be proactive vulnerable to opportunistic crime. weak points in a house that burglars against crime. Volunteers in each Opportunistic crime is crime that is might possibly target. Many times block are being asked to revive or committed because an opportunity simple modifications can be made to start these groups through MSF. Please presents itself, and someone takes make a home less vulnerable. Officer make yourself known if you would advantage of that opportunity. We, Castor encourages home owners to like to help in this effort. well-meaning individuals, home contact him at 317 327 6168 for more Other helpful information to owners, neighbors, neighborhood information. discourage these “crimes of organizations and police departments Sheila Little, Chairman of the safety opportunity” include the following: can do much to thwart this crime by committee for the Meridian Street electronics are the favored target, being vigilant, staying connected and Foundation would also like for so anything owners can do to keep communicating with one another. In neighbors to know that they can get these from view is helpful. Do not essence, we need to form a “team” information about incidents in their leave purses and other valuables in approach to changing the current immediate area by going to the website plain site from a kitchen window or environment into a much safer one we http://www.indystar.com/apps/ back door. Do not leave a car running can all be happy about. pbcs/.dllarticle?AID=/99999999/ in the driveway or at the curb while Henry Castor, the Community NEWS/70416062. warming up (this is a tough one in this Liaison Officer for The Indianapolis Once at this site: cold weather). Always lock the house Metropolitan North District Police •Place the curser on MAIN MENU and put the alarm on (if available), Department wants to assure neighbors for a pull down menu. even when you are home. Be wary of that officers are taking our concerns •Search archive by address vans, trucks or cars that are unusual. very seriously and concentrating •Type in your address, click on the Get license plate numbers, criminals on the neighborhood by increasing box for 1 mile, click on box for 1 are caught this way. Don’t assume you patrols and hiring extra officers to month (at bottom) won’t be visited a second time. Burglars combat the problem. He advises us to •See map of 911 calls and place have been known to come back. Report always be alert of suspicious activity. If curser over the symbol for details. everything. Call your neighbors if something doesn’t look right or is out something looks suspicious. Big dogs of the ordinary to please call 911 and Little would also like us to know are a deterrent, especially big dogs that report it. Even though people think that efforts are currently being bark. Mid North Public Safety group they may be bothering the police, it made to reenergize and support the wants everyone to know that the 30 is just that ‘reporting of activity’ upon organized Crime Watch effort in our member Canine Unit has relocated its offices to the former North District headquarters at E. 42nd and N. College Avenue, effective immediately. This unit is operated 24 hours a day and this should provide an added police presence to our neighborhood. The best advice is to watch out for each other, work with the system to be able to catch the perpetrators, communicate often and take control over what you can control. Being nosey and observant is a good trait when confronted with this problem. These types of activities define what it means to live in a real community and can only enhance life in our neighborhood. Questions can be directed to: Marilyn Strawbridge ([email protected]) 3 A SHARED COMMUNITY VISION FOR MIDTOWN By Kathy Shorter, HARMONI

In an effort to attract desirable Development. City reinvestment, HARMONI has catalyzed of Indianapolis senior and co-led three focused processes planners Bob Wilch and to help define a shared vision for Kathleen Blackham have Midtown. Envision Broad Ripple, been key leaders of these Maple Road Visioning, and Envision sessions. Many resident College Avenue have involved hundreds urban design experts have of residents in over 24 evening sessions participated throughout to date. The results of this work will these sessions in a volunteer be refined sub-area plans, form-based capacity. zoning practices, and a definition of the Community Education type of development that residents and A key component of the business owners want to see in Midtown. visioning processes has been This will help to limit the controversial education. Participants “zoning by variance” practice and will in all three visioning discourage the proposal of suburban processes have learned style chain establishments and fast food from videos, lectures, The educational component has restaurants. presentations by experts, ensured that participants are making Envision Broad Ripple began on Earth recommended reading, the creation of informed decisions in the planning Day 2008, Maple Road Visioning in a special section in the College Avenue process, based on best practices. October 2008, and Envision College Library, and field trips highlighting In addition, DMD has constructed Avenue was launched in August 2009. current urban design topics such as: wooden models of the community Partners include Green Broad Ripple, • New Urbanism on large aerial photographs, allowing Broad Ripple Village Association, Broad • Sustainability participants to better visualize the Ripple Alliance for Progress, Meridian- • District Typologies sections of Midtown that are working Kessler Neighborhood Association, • Transit Oriented Development well and the ones that need special CAN-DO!, Maple Road Development • Density attention. To be sure that you receive Association, other neighborhood • Smart Growth notice of future meetings, please logon associations and stakeholders, and • Form Based Zoning to www.indyharmoni.org and sign up the Department of Metropolitan • Complete Streets for the distribution list.

by Raul Burciaga, PROPERTY TAX CAP AMENDMENT FORUM II MSF Property Tax Sub-committee

With the start of the new year, the view the videotape of this forum go townships as well as taxpayer General Assembly is in heated to: www.indy.gov/eGov/Cable/Pages/ advocacy groups. Additionally, we debate over the first phase of making home.aspx and click on On Demand hope to have John Katzenberger back property tax caps an amendment Meetings and Special Events then in as our moderator. Questions from to the Indiana Constitution. The the left hand column click Special the audience will be accepted to help Joint Resolution must pass both Events then look for Property Tax direct the topics of discussion. The houses of the General Assembly Cap Amendment Forum on Dec. 1, date of the forum will be the first before it can be put before the voters 2009. or second week in May to coincide of Indiana in a referendum this The second forum will be much with the first installment of our 2009 November. In an effort to present the like the first. We hope to present property tax bill. Please watch for homeowners of the historic district questions such as; how will a MSF e-mail alerts as to the exact time with the ramifications of the pending reduction in revenues affect local and place. legislation, the Meridian Street government services should the caps As a group, we are considering co- Property Tax Cap Subcommittee will take effect? What impact would sponsoring a candidate’s forum in again partner with the Meridian- lower revenues have on school September to hear what candidates Kessler Neighborhood Association districts, city government, townships up for election in November 2010 in presenting another information and associated range of services such have to say about the possibility of forum. Our first forum with area state as police and fire protection, health property tax cap amendments. Again, senators and representatives fielding services and parks and recreation please watch for MSF e-mail alerts as questions regarding property tax caps facilities? On the panel, we hope to the exact time and place. from moderator John Katzenberger to include representatives from 4 took place December 1, 2009. To the mayor’s office, school districts, MIDTOWN COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS MASTER PLAN AND

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY by Kathy Shorter

With the intent of defining potential 38th Street in recent years. will result from the planning catalyst projects in Midtown, The Master Plan will seek to define work between various partners. HARMONI and the Maple Road development plans for 3-5 targeted In particular, clearly defined Development Association jointly areas (business nodes), which are development parameters will guide issued a Request for Proposals in declining and require stabilization all future development proposals. July. After a comprehensive review or which would offer the highest The adoption of the plan will result of responses from local and out of impact for turnaround. The plan in the adoption of a proactive state firms, a team led by Mansur will include site plans, development approach to Midtown development. Real Estate Services, Inc., which overview, financial analysis, project The implementation strategy includes Greenstreet, Ltd., Eden proformas, and complete project components of the plan will be Collaborative, and Browning Day structure. critical to taking Midtown visioning Mullins Dierdorf was selected The outcome will be a highly and planning far beyond previous for the preparation of a Midtown visual, well-understood, market- efforts. The professional assistance Commercial Corridors Master Plan oriented plan that helps to of the selected firms will help in and Implementation Strategy. communicate to business owners, establishing financing districts This comprehensive effort will potential developers and investors and will help to build the capacity build on the input from three what the Midtown community and framework to succeed in Envision Processes that have been desires and will support along its implementation. going on over the past 18 months: primary commercial corridors. As Planning phases will be completed Envision Broad Ripple, Maple Road well, the resulting plan will inform in 2010 and implementation phases Visioning, and Envision College the community of what is realistic will begin in 201l. Avenue. The plan will place special and sustainable. It will include a emphasis on the southern portions clear strategy and detailed tactics of Midtown—along 38th Street needed to realize the plan and will and nearby business corners. It provide professional assistance in is important to note that the implementation including a realistic southern ¼ of Midtown has now timeline, financing strategies, and Few will have the “declined enough” to be included next action steps. Each of the in the Neighborhood Stabilization three to five site specific plans will greatness to bend Program Target Area---based on include clear project definitions, history itself; but the high percentages of vacant concept plans, financial analysis/ and abandoned homes. The plan proforma, ownership structures each of us can will be designed to spur economic for the involved sites, a transaction development that was expected structure and project schedule. work to change (but not yet realized) with the large Other equally important outcomes public infrastructure investment on are the actual agreements that a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.

– Robert Kennedy

5 A HOUSE HISTORY: 4122 NORTH MERIDIAN STREET By Tiffany Benedict Berkson

Sol Meyer and his brother Ferdinand A. Meyer built the 10,000 sq. ft. blonde brick Mediterranean Revival home located at 4122 N Meridian Street in 1922. Though little is known about most of its former residents, the life of its builder is well documented. Sol Meyer was born in Fort Recovery, Ohio on October 22, 1866. At age 14, he became a telegraph operator for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, eventually working in the same capacity for the Western Union Telegraph Company in Portland and Richmond, IN and the at Pennsylvania Railroad in Richmond, IN. He arrived in Indianapolis in 1888, as an accountant for railroad working until 1893, when he retired to start a career in banking. In 1896, he and a cousin Sol S. Kiser established the Meyer-Kiser Corporation, which handled real estate, insurance, loan and investments. Eventually, the Indianapolis based Meyer-Kiser Bank was formed in 1906, with 4122 N. Meridian Street Sol Meyer as President. The bank was originally located at 28 E. Washington St. and later at 136 E. Washington St. Indianapolis Star on October 15, 1922. The article describes The Meyer-Kiser Bank financed many buildings comprising “modern” 1920’s living with a focus on the homes 18 rooms, the early 20th century Indianapolis’ skyline including: the Hotel impressive living room, miniature ice plant, soft water service Lincoln, Spink Arms Hotel, Methodist Hospital, Illinois Building, and the cozy children’s room. the Electric Building and the Roosevelt Building among several Sol Meyer and his wife Florence (nee Strauss of Washington, others. Sol Meyer owned the American Association Indianapolis DC), along with sons Edward Meyer and Sol Meyer Jr. occupied Indians baseball team for about seven years (1907 – 1914), the lower half, while Sol’s eldest son Ferdinand S Meyer and during which time; the famous pitcher Bull Durham was part wife Rosalind, along with their son James Meyer, occupied the of the team. upper half of the duplex for a period of years. The 1930 census Sol Meyer selected the architectural firm of George and notes the presence of a radio, as well as live-in servants in both MacLucas to design side-by-side duplexes for his family, the other households and places the homes value at $60,000. (About being located at 4118 N. Meridian St. (built in 1924). Though $754, 000 in 2010 dollars). both Meyer homes are similar in style, they are architecturally The family names become especially confusing because distinct. 4122 is designed in the Mediterranean Revival style Ferdinand A. Meyer and family lived next door at 4118 N. with 4118 in the Italian Renaissance style. Meridian (upper unit) and Leslie Meyer with his sister, Fannie At 4122, the designers successfully created the illusion of Meyer (lower unit). Leslie Meyer owned the Home Furniture an imposing single-family home, fit for a bank president, by Company located at 301-3 E. Washington St. enclosing the dual entrances in a vestibule with a single portal, With the crash of the stock market in 1929, the fortunes of an arched opening framed with Ionic columns and an elaborate the Meyer-Kiser bank fell on hard times leading to the eventual iron door. This limestone doorway is balanced by first floor dissolution of the bank in the early 30’s and the departure of the arched-head French doors with sidelights and second story Meyer families from both 4122 and 4118 N. Meridian St. for paired casements. Additional details include a hipped tile roof, Miami Beach, FL. extended bracketed eaves, a raised basement, blonde-colored Sol Meyer passed away at age 73 in November 1939. bricks, projecting sill and belt courses of limestone and wrought Little is known about later residents of 4122 N Meridian St., but iron work. included: Mr. MacGill, manager of Crane Company – dealing in A feature article on the home (see page 7) appeared in the valves and pipe fittings; Mr. Dithmer, at one time the secretary and treasurer of the Polar Ice & Fuel Company; Albert M Bristor, vice president & Treasurer of Union Title Company; Raymond R Mulvihill, vice president of United Collieries Inc. The surnames McClane, Valinet, Foster, Lipman, Maas, Winslow, Heifetz, Mosakowski and Cook appear as former residents. The home was also featured as the St Margaret’s Guild Decorator’s Show House in 1979. Current owners, Gaylon Melton, & Len Pilarski, relocated from Washington D.C. and bought 4122 N. Meridian St. in 2007, spending considerable time researching and renovating this remarkable house into what is now truly a single-family residence - one they are proud to call home. Note: The current owners would love to hear from any one that can share photos stories or other information about there home. 6 You can contact them at 317.352.2949. Luxury, Without Ostentation, Typified in Home Courtesy of The Indianapolis Sunday Built for Sol Meyer on North Meridian Street Star, October 15, 1922

Beauty and Convenience of background of the brick and white stone hallway leading from the front to the Arrangement Feature Construction of the entrance way, while in winter they back of the house. of Modern Residence Divided Into take on added charm by their enduring Opening off this entrance hall are Upper and Lower Apartments for Two verdancy when other shrubs are bare. three doors. One, a wide archway leads Families Has eighteen rooms into the long living room on the left. To one with the normal woman’s As many of the modern houses, the Another opens into the dining room, curiosity – and this curiosity is by no porches of the Meyer home were placed and the third into a wrap closet where means limited to the one sex – there by the architects, George & MacLucas, coats, umbrellas and other out-of-door is no doubt more or less wonder as to on the north and south sides of the needs, are kept conveniently at hand. the interior of some Indianapolis homes building, leaving the east front unbroken There are three things about this closet that present a pleasing exterior. Perhaps except for two tall French windows that will probably attract a woman even there is a feeling that some of the North and the entrance way guarded by an sooner than the more impressive features Meridian street houses are too large ornamental iron gateway, the work of of the house. The first is the long mirror for real homes – that because from the Ernest Melaun(?) of Indianapolis. This covering the entire inside of the door, the outside, many of them seem almost like gateway opens into a small tiled portico second the generous sized window that handsome public buildings, the interiors from which one door leads into the lower lights this mirror and the closet and the must be made up of large, empty floor apartment and another into the last a low door at one end of the closet looking rooms, gloomy corners and an stairway leading to the upper apartment, which opens to reveal the storeroom for atmosphere of dreary splendor. the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ferd S Meyer. the toys of Sol Meyer Jr., the youngest Those who have had this impression The apartments are of similar design, member of the family. It is but one of the will find the interior of the Sol Meyer each containing nine rooms, three baths, touches which make a real home out of home at 4122 North Meridian Street a a sun porch and a sleeping porch. this big house. delightful surprise, for from the cream The first impression that one has upon Living Room Impressive tinted entrance hall to the shining white entering the lower apartment is one of The size and somewhat formal tiled kitchen it is a charming example of restful, cheerfulness, for the decorator, furnishings of the living room, combined luxury combined with homelike comfort. Thomas H Thompson, has made use of with the wide carved stone fireplace lend From the first glimpse of the exterior, in color throughout the entire house with to that room an impressive dignity. cream-colored brick, there is a suggestion the exception of the kitchen and baths. On the north side an equally delightful of comfort which is accentuated by Here white tile, furnished by the Gates effect has been obtained in the many the architects George & MacLucas that Mantel and Tile Company, has been windowed breakfast room that opens break the otherwise formal line of the employed. This company also furnished off the dining room by the use of wicker front.gthrapp-mer Even stin summerfdn-0110.qxd:gthrapp-im-11-07 their dark green the 1/29/10 black and 9:49 white AM marble Page 1 tiles that form furnishings in black touched with is an effective touch against the light the floor of the entrance hall and the long orange. These against the background of

%NDURING STYLE %XQUISITEG. THRAP#RAFTMANSHIP P JEWELERS %NDLESS OPTIONS 5609 NORTH ILLINOIS ST. • INDIANAPOLIS, IN • 46208 317.255.5555 • 800.866.0955 • www.gthrapp.com

One Block West of 56th & Meridian 7 Courtesy of Luxury, Without Ostentation (cont), The Indianapolis Sunday Star, October 15, 1922

cream-colored walls give an impression directed light, bespeaks shaving comfort unaided. As for the glass, a similar recess of colorful cheer that should start any for the man of the house. in the wall holds it securely out of the day well. And speaking of comfort, what way of chance knocks that would send it From the breakfast room and dining Indianapolis housewife would not rejoice to a disastrous end on the marble floor. room, doors open into the butler’s pantry, in a convenience that is little short of a In the two big south windowed along two sides of which cupboards and necessity in this town of which, as a bedrooms generous clothes closets, glass-doored china cabinets have been cynical visitor once remarked, the hard fitted with many shelves, drawers and built to hold the dishes used in serving. water is the most noticeable feature – compartments for the storage of bedding The south wall of the kitchen too is namely a soft water system? Not just soft have been provided, in addition to the built almost ceiling high with drawers water laboriously pumped at the kitchen bathroom linen closet. Since outside enclosed shelves and a china cabinet, sink, a bucketful at a time, but flowing, light in these closets was not available, the through the doors of which more dishes hot or cold, in the kitchen, bath, lavatory Hatfield Electric Company, which wired show in orderly rows. The entire kitchen and laundry everywhere, in fact, that the house, has installed lights which are in fact conveys an impression of spotless water is needed. A Permaltt (?) Water turned on as the door is opened, and off cleanliness. Shining white tile has been Softener in the basement, with a capacity when the door is closed. used for the side walls, the well-lighted of 1,700 gallons, is its source, with a 200 From the Spanish tile roof, a product sink seems a part of the background in gallon Ruud water heater brings it to the of the Ludowini - Caledon (?) Company, its snowy enamel, and even the stove is of desired degree of warmth. For drinking guttered in copper by C Ott & Co., to the unmarred whiteness that makes that purposes a third faucet supplies city the Ideal steam-heating plan, installed kitchen necessity beautiful. water. by the Warren-Webster Heating Miniature Ice Plant Examining the bath room one of Company, no detail has been forgotten to But to most women the big nickel- course notes the white marble floor, provide beauty and comfort. The brick trimmed white porcelain icebox is the the glistening tiled walls, the admirable contractor, Edward H. Stevens employed object of greatest interest, exceeding, as it equipment of tub, shower and lavatory Hytex (?) brick. Waxed hardwood floors, does, in convenience even the boxes built installed by Frien Brothers, the plumbers, a product of the Eaglesfield Flooring for outside icing. For in it a miniature but any one with the feminine eye for Company, were laid by Julius Billo (?), J ice plant freezes small cubes of ice for detail will observe two problems which C (?) West, the general contractor, made use whenever ice is needed and at the belong particularly to the bath room – up of lumber from the Indianapolis same time, by the Isko (?) system of the problem of the elusive cake of soap Lumber Company. The stone work refrigeration, the box is kept at an even and the fragile bathroom drinking glass. used for trimming both the house and low temperature. No iceman to clean up For he who has purged a cake of soap the ornamental gateway was done by after, no drain pan to overflow, as drain to the depths of the tub and landed Edward Dux. And the gateway, it seems pans have a way of doing – not even the it high and almost dry on the average is a fitting symbol of the entire home disagreeable job of chopping the ice, bath tub, only to have it skid off into for it is only necessary to press a button with the resulting casualties of flying ice the depths again, will behold with keen on it to light the way from the entrance chips and lost pieces, for here are dainty appreciation the well-shaped recesses in all along the wide graveled drive to the frozen blocks ready for use. the wall, one beside the tub and another big garage in the rear. Luxury – yes but Soft Water Service beside the lavatory, from which even the luxury which spells comfort more than The same thoughtfulness which slipperiest cake of soap can not escape ostentation. has been shown in the labor-saving equipment for the kitchen has been carried to the other side of the house, which is given over to bedrooms, and baths. The plural is used advisedly, for not only is there a luxurious tiled bath between the two large bedrooms, but another bath, only slightly smaller and equally well equipped, opens between the rear bedroom and the room set aside for the children of the family. So that when grimy boy hands are scrubbed, the smaller room temporarily bears the resulting high water marks. Neither is father’s morning shave interrupted by a youthful voice insisting that “my teef need to be washed”, for the children’s bath provides for all their needs while a big mirror in the larger room, lighted during the day by a generous window 8 on either side, and at night by a well RESEARCHING YOUR HOME’S HISTORY by Len Pilarski

Regardless, of what originally of North Meridian Street” from the Star article lead us to contact attracts one into purchasing an older local library or at the MSF website: Tiffany Benedict Berkson at www. home, i.e.: location, architectural www.meridianstreetfoundation.net. homehistoryhunter.vpweb. styling, or a sense that it is just right; For those who prefer a “DIY” com”. Ms. Berkson charges a $45 one quickly finds oneself wondering approach, The Historic Landmarks per hour basic fee, and offers “if these walls could talk”. In Foundation offers a Historic House 3 levels of package options available many ways they do, revealing ever- Research Handbook at www. for $59 - $149. changing design tastes through historiclandmarks.org/help/PDFs/ paint layers and wallpaper. What an HHRH.pdf or by contacting the “old house person” is really asking Historic Landmarks Foundation is what living life within these walls of Indiana at 800-450-4534 or was really like. Homeowners want 317-639-4534. to know not only who previously Another is to seek out the services of owned their home, but who may an avid local history enthusiast. Our have passed through it, what events featured “Old House” homeowners, shaped the life of these former did just that after relocating to residents and how did their home Indianapolis and purchasing their figure in the social and historic Meridian Street home. “We would nature of the neighborhood or city recommend this approach to where it is located. For those wanting those unfamiliar with the to research their Indianapolis home local resources available for answers to these questions there or for those with little are options. A great starting point personal time. is reading a copy of the “The Main A June 2007 Stem – the History & Architecture I n d i a n a p o l i s

MSF Membership by Nancy Whitaker

In 2009, I was encouraged by the for its architectural revival homes, chair. Please feel free to contact number of people who responded to beautifully landscaped yards and Kathy Williams (317.255.5305; our outreach for help through MSF gardens, and year-round volunteer [email protected]) membership enrollment and renewal. and social events that strengthen with membership questions. As a Many thanks go to each and every and enhance our community. I am new member of the MSF Board of member. There are approximately confident that the founding members Directors, Kathy is eager to use this 720 addresses (residential and of MSF would be proud of our opportunity as membership chair to business) in the MSF area. Nearly efforts and accomplishments since get to know more of her neighbors. 22% of the addresses are currently the seventies. Please help us now MSF welcomes Kathy’s energy and members of MSF. At this time, I in our efforts so future residents can friendly attitude. would like to take the opportunity to continue to be able to make this same Please join us as we embark on the thank and welcome again the NEW proclamation in years to come. Just next 50 years. Please find the MSF MEMBERS listed below who recently think of what might be accomplished membership envelope enclosed in joined MSF. if we could double our membership. . this Newsletter and mail your tax- Let’s make 2010 a record year for . .Please add your name to our roster deductible membership or renewal membership! Fifty years after MSF was if you have not done so already. TODAY. Thank you. founded in 1960, our neighborhood Starting in February, Kathy Williams is a vibrant community known will be taking over as membership

Jeff and Dana Cooper (Benefactor) Janet Knall Steve and Kris Duncan (Benefactor) Ted and Lynn Kramer Donald and Beth Viellieu Fischer Christina Morris Bernard Frechtman (Benefactor) Thomas and Julie Shortridge (Benefactor) Lawrence Grein Milton and Inda Singer James and Sarah Johnston and 9 Andrew and Christina Klineman an Anonymous Member MERIDIAN STREET FOUNDATION 10th Annual Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt A tradition dating back to the 1950’s when the Governor of Indiana sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn at 4343

Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 3:00 pm Preschool and elementary children On the front lawn of the Old Governor’s Mansion 4343 North Meridian Street

Bring your own basket and camera for photos with the Easter Bunny

$3.00 (per child) donation at the door Space Limited! Parking on East side of Meridian

RSVP Required Elaine Klein [email protected] or 283.1835 Rain or Shine or Snow

Real estate roundup By G.B. Landrigan, Realtor

North Meridian Street North Illinois Street North Pennsylvania Street Cross-Streets Number of Homes Number of Homes Number of Homes Number of Homes On Market: 8 On Market: 9* On Market: 8 On Market: 3 Median List Price: $574,900 Median List Price: $275,000 Median List Price: $555,000 Median List Price: $399,900 Number of Pendings: 0 Number of Pendings: 0 Number of Pendings: 0 Number of Pendings: 0 Number of Sold Homes: 2 Number of Sold Homes: 4 Number of Sold Homes: 5 Number of Sold Homes: 1 Median Sales Price: $381,250 Median Sales Price: $268,750* Median Sales Price: $380,000 Median Sales Price: $254,900

*-Two properties were not included in this figure as their published sales prices were artificially low due to extenuating circumstances. All statistics are from the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors’ Broker Listing Co-Operative (BLC) and were gathered the evening of 1/21/2010. While deemed reliable, the statistics are not guaranteed. While Meridian Street Foundation that many people have been waiting would have done. But many of us see - area Realtors are generally an a bit longer to move than they had that much of the activity has simply optimistic bunch, they have good wished and are now testing the been in the lower price ranges of the reason to be for the coming spring waters. area’s market rather than the upper market. The property tax episode is Lest this sound as if it were a paid portion. As the inventory of the lower largely past and the housing market advertisement from the Realtors’ trade half is sold, many of us believe - with has begun to stabilize. The number of association, it should be made quite good evidence - that the move-up/ homes for sale in the area is average, clear that selling prices are not what larger home market will also rebound if not just a bit lower, while interest they were two to three years ago. Some rather nicely. 10 rates continue to be remarkably low. of this is certainly due to a particular Perhaps most important is a “sense” home receiving less than it previously upcoming events MSF 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY Saturday, March 6, 5:00-9:00PM Meridian Street Foundation members, please join us as we mark 50 years of neighborhood preservation with a jazz-age tribute to Meridian Street at the home of Len Pilarski and Gaylon Melton, 4122 N. Meridian Street. Mingle with neighbors and tour the beautifully restored home on historic Meridian Street. Parking on West side of Meridian. Cost $30 per person/$50 couple. Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres will be served. Wine will be provided. RSVP Required to Elaine Klein at [email protected] or 283-1835 by February 23rd **If you are not already a member of MSF, join now and join the party! See enclosed membership envelope for details.

EASTER EGG HUNT “PREP” PARTY Tuesday, March 23, 6:00-9:00PM Help the Easter Bunny stuff eggs! Bring your favorite bag(s) of candy to the Klein’s house, 4343 N. Meridian and help fill the eggs and goodie bags. Pizza and soda fountain treats will be provided. RSVP to Elaine Klein at [email protected] or 283-1835

10TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, April 3, 3:00PM It’s a Meridian Street tradition dating back to the 1950’s when the Governor of Indiana sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn at 4343. Now hosted by neighbors, John and Elaine Klein, please bring the kids, and their Easter baskets to the front lawn of the Old Governor’s Mansion at 4343 N. Meridian Street. A $3.00 (per child) donation will be requested at the door. Come early, space is limited! Parking on East side of Meridian.

MSF SUMMER PICNIC Sunday, June 6, 3:00PM (Location TBD) MSF ANNUAL MEETING & 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Saturday, October 16 (Time and Location TBD) Reference Numbers

Meridian St. Preservation Mayor’s Action Center City-County Councillor, District 2 State Senator, District 30 – Commission (MSPC), Chair 317-327-4622 (4MAC) - Ryan Vaughn Scott Schneider Bob Wilch, 327-5115 (MSF area north of 56th Street) (MSF area north of 43rd Street) [email protected] Washington Township 317-437-7701 317-232-9400 Neighborhood Liaison - [email protected] MSPC, Staff Catherine Moore Indiana Governor - Mitch Daniels Connie Zeigler, 955-0377 317-327-5380 State Government Contacts 317-232-4567 [email protected] [email protected] State Representative, District 86 – Ed Delaney Federal Government Contacts Neighborhood Organizations City-County Councillors at Large (MSF area south of 52nd Street) U.S. Representative, 7th District - Butler Tarkington Neighborhood City-County Council office 317-232-9600 Andre Carson Association, 925-1110 317-327-4242 [email protected] 317-283-6516 (Indianapolis, IN) Ed Coleman 317-691-4505 202-225-4011 (Washington, D.C.) Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Barb Malone 317-513-9658 State Representative, District 87 Association, 283-1021 Joanne Sanders 317-283-6040 - Cindy Noe U.S. Senator - Evan Bayh Kent Smith 317-327-4242 (MSF area north of 52nd Street) 317-554-0750 (Indianapolis, IN) City Government Contacts 317-232-9607 202-224-5623 (Washington, D.C.) Indianapolis Mayor – City-County Councillor, District 9 [email protected] Greg Ballard - Monroe Gray, Jr. U.S. Senator - Richard Lugar 317-327-3601 (MSF area south of 56th Street) State Senator, District 33 - 317-226-5555 (Indianapolis, IN) 317-327-4242 Office Gregg Taylor 202-224-4814 (Washington, D.C.) 317-297-1155 Home (MSF area south of 43rd Street) 11 [email protected] 317-382-9467 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Indianapolis, IN MSF Permit No. 5677

Meridian Street Foundation P.O. Box 88451 Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

MSF 50th Anniversary Kick-off Event Saturday, March 6, 5:00-9:00pm At the Home of Len Pilarski and Gaylon Melton 4122 N. Meridian Street (Parking on west side of Meridian) 1960 Featured as this edition’s “Historic Home”, this 1922 home is unique in that it is one of only two known duplexes located along Meridian Street between 40th and 2010 Westfield. Over the year’s, this home has fascinated many with the challenge 50 of what to do with two of everything. After almost two years of renovation, the duplex is gone and it is a blend of classic and contemporary styling. Don’t miss YEARS this opportunity to Mingle with neighbors and tour this beautifully restored home on historic Meridian Street. of greatness If you are not already a member of MSF, join now and join us at the kick-off party. Membership application is enclosed

Cost $30 per person/$50 couple. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Wine will be provided. RSVP required to Elaine Klein at [email protected] or 283-1835 by February 23rd

The Meridian Street Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) foundation originally organized in 1960. The Foundation’s chief purposes are the maintenance and improvement of existing health, safety and ecological standards, and the preservation of the architectural, historic and aesthetic significance of residential North Meridian Street and the neighborhood in which it lies. Please Note: We live in the North Meridian Street Historic District, governed by the Meridian Street Preservation Act of 1971, administered by the Meridian Street Preservation Commission. Before undertaking any changes in structure or usage of your property, please 12 check with either the MSPC or the Land Use Committee of the Meridian Street Foundation.